Inergy changes gas transfer station plans

READING—Inergy L.P. has plans to build a propane and butane transfer station in Reading costing an estimated $40 million, with some design aspects recently changing.The gas transfer station is designed to have offices and gas unloading facilities on Route 14A, and a brine pond on the east side of Route 14, where 14A and 14 merge. The project was originally brought before the Reading planning board in September, 2009.Representatives from Inergy L.P. presented brine pond changes to the Reading planning board, Thursday, July 15. Board chair Gordon Wright said he asked the representatives to give an update on the project.The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been in charge of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) since February, when the planning board got a letter announcing this decision.During the September meeting, Barry Ciglich, vice president of Inergy Midstream, said the station would store and transfer butane and propane. He explained propane would be transported by pipeline and truck and butane would go by rail.At the most recent planning board meeting, Inergy Attorney Kevin Bernstein said changes to the plans were made so the DEC is more likely approve the SEQR. Wright explained Inergy voluntarily made changes to the brine pond to fit with dam specifications, because the state has no rules for a brine pond. He added these changes are also more stringent.Bernstein also said Inergy is looking into addressing the state’s concerns about water overflowing from the brine pond. He said if needed, Inergy could hook up a to a U.S. Salt brine pond with 200 feet of pipe. Bernstein said that way brine water could be sent to another storage area. Inergy also currently owns U.S. Salt.Bernstein explained Inergy is also applying for an underground storage permit. He said some more tests are still needed for that. Bernstein said besides that, Inergy is answering and addressing any other concerns the DEC has. He added Inergy is “whittling down the questions.”Wright said that if the state gives a negative SEQR, approving the project, the report will come before the Reading planning board again.